Sam Shueh
Realty One Group
Cupertino, CA
I became a full time realtor in 2005. What made me stood out was I had the technology advantage to adapt it very early on. Every home buyer wants to work with realtors who knows every street and school. If realtors know every street why not hire a retired mail man or a cab driver? Using maps used to be the only way to view homes. Based on the coordinates on Realtor's map book one finds homes of interest. Map Quest was the only way to print out directions reach to properties. Yahoo map came along was also acceptable but not always accurate. This was about the time Rand McNally atlas publisher was about to go out of business.
TomTom and Garmin GPS came out and I invested a tool to boost my ability to get to everywhere. These devices are not accurate by today's standards one can follow the directions in circles. This is when the local agent ignore the technology showing he was in control. One still has to make some decisions to lead GPS as one way street etc is not always identified.
Cellular phone really changed everything. The wireless telephone allowed us to communicate without having to stay in the office. That also means buyers and sellers no longer have to walk into a real estate looking for a realtor for information. Many realtors kiss floor hours goodby and work out of their home or car.
The smart phone came in 27 years ago. It was just too bulky and expensive. The air time was ~$2-3 for a single minute of use. It was not until 2007 iPhone changed the way we do business. A combined phone with internet, eMail, news, text capability all in one. The flashlight, camera and now automated Supra update password makes our job so much easier. One can work out anywhere where there are signals. The technology has changed the way people look for homes.
The following stats suggest technology is the center
- 92% of buyers/renters use the internet.
- 45% of buyers start the home buying process by looking online.
- 50% of buyers use a mobile website or app in their housing search.
- 90% of realtors use social media to promote their listings.
Technology is also the core of keeping clients and realtors together. Phone, eMail, text can transfer more data than previous realtors. Images, videos, and searching tools make our job easier with a click.
I believe the next 10 years it will streamline transactions also. The best tool so far has been paperless transaction, Docu Signs. It speeds agents to update Supra security information whereas previously one had to use a phone on a cradle to update several association sites. In our area I have seen robots greet people doing open house. QR code to look for that listing etc. I am sure that is just a beginning.
Sam ShuehRealtor Phone (4-0-8) 425-1601
I've called San Francisco South Bay home for over many years. We love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about homes. I documented in several books about Silicon Valley history.
I have much expertise in real estate and technology...please give me a call.
SamShuehRealtor@ Gmail.com
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